This is Rammy - Page 2 of 51 - News and Information from the heart of Ramsbottom

Head for the Hills 2019 is cancelled – Episode 119

December 4, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

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We’re in to December and lots of people have already started putting up their Christmas decorations. I’m not sure if you have yet but I do like how Christmasy it’s starting to look around our town, especially now that the big tree is up in Market Place.

Well one thing is for sure this week, I’m certainly glad that I didn’t get around to fully writing the show last night as today two bits of big news came out.

The first bit of news is regarding the bride that The Waterside pub used to stand on in Summerseat. You might recall the terrible flooding back on boxing day 2015 that came to Ramsbottom.

This flood didn’t just ruin Ramsbottom, it destroyed what was The Waterside pub in Summerseat. The pub itself had been closed for some time and the flood was the final nail in the coffin. Since The Waterside had collapsed, the bridge that it stood on was no longer safe for pedestrians or vehicles.

The Council did repair the bridge so that it was safe for pedestrian access in March 2016, but without the ability to make further improvements due to the land not being owned by the council where the pub once stood. Today, the Bury Times have reported that the Government have now approved the compulsory purchase order that the Council submitted earlier this year. This means that potentially the bridge could be repaired and opened to vehicles as early as next year. The plans were approved in May of this year which include creation of a new walkway.

Recent topics divide Ramsbottom opinion – Episode 118

November 20, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:23 — 13.3MB)

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This week, Ramsbottom sits a town divided. The division has been caused by two topics close to residents hearts. There has been a hive of activity on the website this month related to two posts in particular. These both concen the future of The Grants Arms and the specific have all been around the plans for The Grants Arms.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Grants Arms, it’s a large building pretty central to Ramsbottom sitting on Market Place in Ramsbottom.

I talked in more detail back in episode 114 where the discussion of the proposal of turning the building from a pub/hotel into offices first came up. On that episode, even I was divided so it’s understandable how the town as a whole is feeling.

The activity around this on the site this week blew up since I posted an appeal from John Ireland

However, the second topic that has divided Ramsbottom this week is also related to this week’s not a competition quiz question.

#notacompetitionquizquestion

The question is, in what year was the “Tilted Vase” sculpture by Edward Allington installed in Market Place? You’ll get the answer, a little bit later on in the show.

So, as I mentioned, The Tilted Vase has been the second topic that has the town divided. The reason being, there still seems to be a large number of residents who really, for want of a better word, can’t stand it.

Phillip Rose, Group IFA CEO responds to “Save the Grants”

November 15, 2018 by Phil Rose 11 Comments

The following is a reply from Phillip Rose, Group IFA CEO who have submitted the planning application for The Grants Arms:

Please support this Planning Application 63308

In response to Mr John Irelands appeal, I agree – The ‘Grants’ is to Ramsbottom what Blackpool Tower is to the Golden Mile, or the Opera House to Sydney Harbour, but you don’t need to tell a Ramsbottom lad that!

However, what is upsetting is that this iconic building which has stood proud as the mother of Ramsbottom, overlooking the Market Place for over 200 years is no longer the matriarch of the town but a sad limping old lady, a neglected and dilapidated old building which looks abandoned and unloved.

ROMANCE

Being an iconic building the ‘Grants’ will never be an office block. The planning application ensures it will be sympathetically renovated, with its clock and internal tower returned to its former glory to respectfully attend the march of time over the town. But, time cannot stand still and move with the times we must. The historic Grade 2 listed lady will be lovingly restored to give The Grant Arms a new lease of life, to stand proudly over the Market Place as a visual reminder of the areas cultural heritage once again.

Ramsbottom Remembers – Episode 117

November 15, 2018 by Lee 1 Comment

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Another week and another episode of This is Rammy to hopefully help provide you with a little bit of “what’s going on” around Ramsbottom. This podcast cannot possibly begin to try to fill the gap of going out and experiencing it for yourself though, so if you’re local to Ramsbottom, please do remember to take advantage of all it has to offer. If you’re not, maybe it’s time to take a visit? We’d love to have you!

Of course, this past weekend saw Ramsbottoms Remembrance Service for Armistice Day marking 100 years since World War 1 ended. This is always an emotional time, but this year especially given the anniversary.

Save the Grants – Ramsbottoms Iconic Landmark

November 14, 2018 by John Ireland 3 Comments

What follows is an appeal by John Ireland – Please Share ❤️

Please object this Planning Application 63308

The ‘Grants’ to Ramsbottom is to Ramsbottom, what Blackpool Tower is to the Golden Mile or the Opera House is to Sydney Harbour.

A unique and iconic building standing above the Market Place as old as the town itself and the picture of Ramsbottom on virtually every post card ever made, that has, until recently, provided hospitality, warmth, food and drink and shelter and in some cases sanctuary to the locals for almost 200 years.

This is now in mortal danger of being lost forever by an under consideration planning application 63308 by Bury Council for a ‘change of use’. This is to convert the old pub and hotel into a bland looking office block to house a shoal of financial planning advisers, a change which would see a requirement of 35 permanent car parking spaces. A request that Ramsbottom, at the moment can ill afford.